IRP41: Integrated simulation and design optimisation tools

The worldwide increased electricity production from Renewable Energy Sources (RES) is coupled with the growing installation of distributed generation (DG) connected to medium voltage (MV) and low voltage (LV) distribution networks. For Distribution System Operators (DSOs), the operation of these networks may be a difficult task due the following causes: the point of connection of DG in a MV feeder may be at some distant from the buses of significant consumption; the production from non-dispatchable DG is in general not synchronized with the demand. These two causes severely reduce the expected DG benefits such as reduction of peak loads, power loss and congestions in the network, as well as avoidance of network overcapacity and deferral of network reinforcements, if an adequate control of DG outputs is not implemented.

The objective of this Individual Research Project is to propose a decentralized control approach specifically conceived for the coordination of power outputs of intermitted energy production units (e.g. photovoltaic units), storage units and consumption. The project aims at analysing the effectiveness of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) services that may be provided by parking lots equipped with several charging stations. The approach will be tested by using a detailed simulation environment of the power network that has been interfaced with both a simulator of the communication network and a simulator of the urban traffic with electric vehicles. The project is also expected to analyse the effects of the prosed control approach, together with the dynamic reconfiguration of the power network, on expansion planning results by means of the development of a specific optimization model.

Tasks

Developing distributed control algorithms for energy resources, both DGs and storage units (including V2G services), embedded in a power distribution network.

Implementation of the algorithms in the simulation environment in order to assess the performances in several operating conditions.

Development of optimization models able to show the advantages of the control algorithms, as well as the dynamic reconfiguration of the network, on the expansion planning of the network.

Expected Results

Distributed control algorithms for the coordination of power generation, energy storage and consumption in distribution networks.